Kelby

♀ Girl

Pronounced KEL-bee /ˈkɛl.bi/High

Meaning: From an English/Norse surname and place name — variously 'a farm by the spring' and 'the dwelling place' (Norse by, 'a settlement'); used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A farm by the spring; a dwelling place: Kelby is an English/Norse surname. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'KEL-bee').

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Origin LowNorse, English

MeaningFrom an English/Norse surname and place name — variously 'a farm by the spring' and 'the dwelling place' (Norse by, 'a settlement'); used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#7682 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births14 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1991

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,563

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kelby comes from an English/Norse surname and place name — variously 'a farm by the spring' and 'the dwelling place', with the Norse by, 'a settlement' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern name, used for both sexes, here for girls (slug distinguished; nickname Kel).

In the U.S. it registers thinly. Rare, a-farm-by-the-spring at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Kelby comes from an English/Norse surname, variously 'a farm by the spring' and 'the dwelling place' (Norse by, 'a settlement') — a crisp, modern name, used for both sexes (here for girls; the routes are layered; said 'KEL-bee').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Kelby — surname; routes layered

Variations

KelbeyKellby

Nicknames

Kel

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Kolby— shares the -by ending

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kelby mean?

Kelby is an English/Norse surname — variously 'a farm by the spring' and 'the dwelling place'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Kelby?

It's said KEL-bee /ˈkɛl.bi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kelby a boy or girl name?

Kelby is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Kelby?

Kelby is a rare name in the U.S.